Mothers know best. This mother saved her baby from stillbirth by counting kicks and following her motherly instinct.
Emma Crosby, former TV presenter of Five News, was already 41 weeks pregnant and waiting for natural labor to occur when she noticed that something was wrong and that her baby was not moving like she used to. Based on Daily Mail's report, she immediately called a midwife who advised her to go to the hospital.
When Crosby was already in the hospital, the doctors checked the baby's heartbeat, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief when it turned out okay. However, their relief was short-lived as the baby's heartbeat suddenly dropped.
Crosby was immediately taken to the labor ward, and when her water was broken, it was very dark, which was not a good sign, necessitating a cesarean operation. When her baby came out, her cry was not normal as she inhaled meconium, requiring her to be in intensive care. Her baby was given oxygen and intravenous antibiotics, and the doctor told her she was in a poor condition but "should be fine."
Her baby, Mary, came out fine and after she was brought home by Crosby, the latter realized how her motherly instinct and counting fetal kicks saved her baby's life. Had she not done so, she wouldn't have been able to enjoy her baby.
According to Kicks Count, the baby's movement is one key indicator of his wellbeing while inside the womb. Studies have shown that 55 percent of the women who had stillbirths noticed a change in the movement of their babies prior to a stillbirth diagnosis. It is highly advised that mothers who notice any change in the movements of their babies must see a doctor immediately to avoid stillbirths.
In the U.K. alone, about 6,500 babies are either stillborn or die within days after being born. The number is much higher compared to those who die from SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome.
Crosby said, "I'm so very grateful that I knew about the importance of monitoring fetal movement, otherwise Mary might not be with us today, which is a terrifying thought." Indeed, her motherly instinct and counting kicks made it possible for her to be with her baby, who is now a healthy three-month-old.
